Free Will – Our Greatest Power

This uniquely human endeavor spells the difference between life and death.

"How precious is man, created in the image of God." (Talmud – Avot 3:18)

What does it mean to be created in the image of God?

Unlike other creations, the human being has free will. Within this divine spark lies our potential to shape and change the world.

Proper use of free will beautifies and perfects. Misuse of free will plunders and destroys.

It is a uniquely human endeavor to learn how to use free will properly.

Awareness of Free Will

A homeless person is out on a cold, dirty street, pushing a broken shopping cart loaded with meager belongings. He desperately begs for money, and sifts through garbage pails for a remnant of food.

Now suppose you give him 10 million dollars (tax-free). Imagine what he will do: rent a warm home; buy new clothes, stock up on groceries...

But there's one catch: You hide the money in the bottom of his bag, and he doesn't know he is shlepping around the 10 million dollars. So he lives with the same misery, the same despair.

Free will grants us enormous power and potential. Yet if we don't realize we have this power, we cannot exploit it. We may live the life of a beggar, when in fact we are royalty. The Talmud says: Greater than the gift of free will, is that God told us we have free will.

What is Free Will?

It is a sweltering summer day. You trudge past the ice cream parlor. Wow – 10 new flavors! Special of the day! Frozen yogurt, too! You go inside and proclaim: "I'll have double-fudge chocolate, please."

Is picking chocolate over the vast array of other flavors a "free will choice?" No. It is simply the exercise of a preference, just as a cow chooses to eat hay instead of grass.

"Free will" refers to the type of decision which is uniquely human: a moral choice.

But don't mistakenly think that morality is the choice between "good and evil." Everyone chooses to be "good" – even the most evil, immoral people. Hitler rationalized that the Jews were the enemies of the world, so in his mind he justified that as doing "good."

Rather, free will is the choice between life and death. As the Torah says: "I have put before you, life and death… Choose life so that you may live." (Deut. 30:19)

The Escape Route

Does anyone really choose death over life?!

We all want to be great. But achieving our goals takes a lot of effort. So we get distracted and take the easy route instead. The escape route.

It's Sunday afternoon. You're bored. You grab the remote and slump down into the couch. You could be using your time to learn and grow. But instead you choose the easier option of painlessly passing the afternoon... escaping into the world of TV.

Each day we are confronted with many escape routes. Daydreaming, drugs, checking our email for the seventh time this hour...

Killing time is suicide on the installment plan. And suicide is the most drastic and final form of escape. Consider:

A man is about to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge. The television crews are on the scene. "The public has a right to know. Why are you jumping?"

"Well, between the chateau in Switzerland, the yacht, and the Rolls Royce, I guess I'm still worth about a million and a half."

"A million and a half! For goodness sake, that's more money than I'll make in a lifetime. You could really live it up! Besides, you made 10 million dollars once. So stick around. You could you make another $10 million."

"True. But do you know how painful it is to lose 10 million dollars?"

Zoom – he jumps.

Why did he jump? He was relatively wealthy, and by his own admission he could have made more money. But he only focused on the overwhelming pain of his loss. So for this man, it was even more painful to face his problems and challenges.

"To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether to withstand the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or by taking arms against fate... to end it all." – William Shakespeare

Judaism says the opposite. Greatness lies in how we resolve conflicts – in using our free will to grow – not to quit. To face reality – not to escape. To live and not to die. When we escape problems, we escape the chance of becoming great. It's a constant battle every moment of our lives. Here's how to win:

Five Stages of Free Will Struggle
Level One: Self-Awareness

Become aware of the choices you're making. Life is a constant stream of decisions. Once you become sensitive to the fact that you are constantly making choices, then you can monitor them. That's using your free will actively, not passively.

Why am I reading this article right now? Am I just surfing the web? Or do I have a specific goal?

Your decisions shape your life and determine your destiny. Take charge. If you don't, you're just a pedestrian watching as life passes you by.

Level Two: Be Your Own Person

Don't accept society's beliefs as your own unless you've thought them through and agree with them. Live for yourself, not for society.

Evaluate your past decisions. Start each day anew. Don't remain bound to guidelines and determinations you made years ago, or even to ones that you made yesterday.

A particular career that you chose in college may no longer be the best thing for you today.

OR-

Just because you decided at one time that there's no God, does not mean you can't find more evidence today and make a more informed decision.

Check your assumptions and make sure that they are really yours and not someone else's. Don't be a puppet of society.

Level Three: Distinguish Between Body and Soul

Within each of us, a fierce battle is raging constantly. It's a battle between the cravings of our body, versus the aspirations of our soul.

There are times when you know objectively that something is good for you, but your physical desires get in the way and distort your outlook.

Here's how the battle-lines break down:

BODY: Gravitates toward transitory comforts and sensual pleasures. Desires to quit, to dream, to drown in passions, to procrastinate. Says: "Give me some food, warmth, a pillow – and let me take life easy." Looks for the escape of sleep... slipping away into death

The Midrash tells of a group of soldiers returning from a victorious war. They are marching and singing, flushed with victory. A wise man meets them and says, "Friends, you are returning from a minor battle. Now you are going to face a major war. The war within yourselves."

This is the battle of the free will. Even when you have just won the battle, the enemy is always in your camp, beside you constantly. No matter how far you run, he'll come after you.

Sometimes we can actually hear ourselves fighting it out. Here's a conversation you may have had with yourself:

Soul: "Let's set some goals."

Body: "Leave me alone, I'd rather sleep."

Soul: "Come on, let's be great!"

Body: "Relax, what's the big deal if we wait til tomorrow?"

What's going on? Are you schizophrenic? Nope. Just battling opposing sides within yourself.

Don't be ambushed by your body. Identify whether it's your body or your soul talking. Until then, you don't even know why you've made a decision.

Avoid the escape routes. Choose what is meaningful and productive. Choose life.

The Talmud teaches: "The righteous talk to their bodily desires, while evil people let their desires talk to them." The question is who's running the show? Who will dictate what you're going to do?

You are trying to diet and someone offers you a luscious rich slice of chocolate fudge cake. Your first reaction is "No, I shouldn't, I'm on a strict diet." But as you gaze at the cake, your body speaks persuasively: "Just a little piece, it won't hurt. Start the diet tomorrow."

Great strategy – score one for the body!

Notice how the body doesn't say "Forget the diet, eat the cake, be fat." The body knows that you'll reject that reasoning altogether.

Instead, the body lets you believe you can give in just a tiny bit, yet still be in control. But the body is relentless, and each time you give in, it will be harder to resist the next time.

So what's a good counter-attack?

Beat the body at its own game. Coax the body the same way that it coaxes you.

You want to keep to an exercise routine? Don't tell your body: "From now on, every morning, 50 pushups." Instead tell it: "We'll exercise for five minutes. Then we'll have some cake."

A jogger, is out for the first time on a long run. The body protests: "Don't be a masochist... we'll have a heart attack... we'll never make it beyond this corner... stop already!" Only firm willpower can squelch the body's resistance and get it to comply. How? By constantly reassuring it of the higher value of being in shape, thin and healthy. "This is what you really want... Think how much better you'll feel... You'll be respected... Imagine how much longer you may live!"

Two months later, if you skip one day of jogging, the body says, "Hey, I missed the pleasure of that workout, what's going on?"

The only way to win is to get to the body to desire what the soul wants. Because there's no way you'll ever achieve peace by giving in to the body. Your soul will simply not give up. Never.

But the body can go along with the soul. And although it "hurts" a little to walk away from a lusting, we can survive without it. It's the only practical choice. Real peace comes only when the body desires the soul's success.

Level Five: Make Your Will God's Will

The highest stage of free will is not when you ask yourself, "What does my soul want?" It's when you ask yourself, "What does God want?" When that is your prime interest, you will have achieved the highest form of living. You are using your free will to merge with the most meaningful and powerful force in the universe: the transcendental.

Free will is the choice between life and death. Attach yourself to God and you will be attached to eternity – the ultimate form of life itself.

Make your will His will. If you do, you'll be a little less than God Himself.Partners in changing the world.

Free Will Summary

Level One: Don't be a sleepwalker. Make decisions actively.

Level Two: Don't be a puppet of society's goals, or a slave to your old decisions.

Level Three: Be aware of the conflict between the cravings of your body and the aspirations of your soul.

This article is so mind blowing...I hung onto every word. If only the world would take time to read it. I will buy the book as mentioned.

(26)
Bob Willman,
December 3, 2013 5:09 PM

I do my will

"When we make our will conform with God's will, we begin to use it rightly".

(25)
Jonathan,
June 6, 2012 11:31 PM

SELLING OUT

Free Will, being part of Rambam's 11th principle of faith, Reward and Punishment is essential. Unfortunately, ever since Psychology and Psychiatry have been adopted as our culture, Free Will has become an archeological relic. Free Will Olov HaShalom.

(24)
Kabi,
February 7, 2012 11:02 PM

A good wise teacher is compared to finding true treasures. Rabbi Weinberg's teachings are changeless, speaking to our soul.

(23)
Tomas,
January 31, 2012 8:05 PM

You can read more about this topic

For all of you who like this article - be informed that it is actually an abridged version of a portion of text from Rabbi Weinberg's book What the Angel Taught You: Seven Keys to Life Fulfillment (written in co-operation with Rabbi Solomon), so if you wish you can read the book and follow the Rabbi's train of thought in detail. The book's chapter about free will is suberb and I will confess that I photocopied the page that would come under "Level Two" here and posted it on the wall in my office in order to re-read it every day.

(22)
ruth housman,
January 31, 2012 2:50 PM

Determinism and Free Will

We "will" reach an impasse on deciding what is of G_d and what is ours, meaning within meaning, around the words "Free Will".
My life, being an endless, a massive series of astounding connects, wherever I go, tells me G_d is always at the helm, because this is visible, astounding, and beautifully and heart-wrenchingly astounding. I record this stream. Some call it, Divine Providence, but this tells me we're all in this together. I am making choices, in following my heart, as I do, as Rabbi Weinberg so beautifully illustrates, but G_d is also talking to me, every single step of the way, and showing me that these choices have Divine purpose, intent, and that I am being led, and it's a deep story, that brings me to Jerusalem daily, to the Wailing Wall, To see it's ALL G_d. I know this. I am not asking for confirmation. I have it, and I have recorded this consequent to a Vow I made, a Vow I kept. A manuscript in letters, about the aleph bet, too, the Hebrew letters and letters across all alphabets.
We must do as Rabbi Weinberg says, as it's the moral imperative, and we do have that choice, if but the illusion of choice within an ethical framework that moves us towards that merger. The merger is telling me my WILL is G_D"s WILL and so I feel I do have Free Will. I would and do, in some other realm perhaps, freely choose this, my story, and know, as nobody could possibly know, how deeply this story is about love, and this, the Family of Man. We're connected to each other in more ways than we ever thought possible and we're coming to a new blossoming of consciousness, new doors, and as they open wide, something of wonder is waiting for us all.

(21)
Yvonne,
January 1, 2011 2:24 PM

Absolutely fabulous article

I am a Noahide and this was sent to me by our moderator of our web group. Brilliantly explained and I have learned more reading this article then I can say. Thank you Rabbi.

(20)
Ann,
November 5, 2010 9:32 PM

BECOME G-D's WILL

Free will is the gift G-D gave us to find Him in any circumstance, any person, any situation. By doing so, we join ourselves to Him and transform what may have been cruel, plain, ugly, unfortunate, evil or seemingly pointless back to His perfect balance and harmony. Free will is using the eyes of our soul that G-D gave us to see Him ultimately triumphant in all. What a joy this is, when you learn to look for and find G-D. He is the silver lining...and the gold.

(19)
Anonymous,
March 6, 2010 4:47 PM

Veryyy Good

I like it . Interesting . x]

(18)
donna,
November 27, 2009 11:38 AM

I WAS BROUGHT UP IN A CONSERVATIVE HOME AND i HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY SISTER. SHE HAS BEEN VERY CRUEL TO ME FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND MY PARENTS AND MYSELF CANNOT GET HER TO STOP. THIS MORNING I PUT IN HER FULL NAME INTO THE COMPUTER AND YOUR ARTICLE CAME UP WITH HER NAME IN IT MONA BUTTERS WHY I ASK?IT WAS INSPIRING MY SON IS ALSO WRITING A THESIS FOR SCHOOL ON FREE WILL. I HAVE SPENT MY LIFE STRUUGGELING WITH THIS ONE THING LETTING PEOPLE HURT ME AND NOT KNOWING HOW TO DAL WITH IT. I TURN THE OTHER CHEEK EVENTHOUGH IT IS PAINFUL.THIS IS MY FREE WILL. NOW I WILL TURN THE OTHER CHEEK AND KNOW IT IS HASHEM THAT HAS MADE THIS SITUATION MAYBE FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE AND MOVE FORWARD AND KNOW IT IS I THAT DOES NOT HURT ANOTHERBUT ONLY HOLD LOVE IN MY HEART. THANK YOU.

ruth housman,
January 31, 2012 2:52 PM

Free Will and Determinism

Hi Donna, your comments speak deeply to me, about synchronicity. And you just might find my commentary, which is not yet on line, as I just sent this in, of deep interest.
I get you. And I think you will receive deeply what I am saying.
Yes, Hold tightly to that LOVE in your heart. Follow your heart in all that you do.

(17)
Gad ben Joseph,
July 1, 2008 9:49 AM

The real question is how?

How do you start the identification process? how do you break the bonds of evil that the flesh enslaves you to and be free? How, knowing that every fiber of your being desires exactly what you have written, and yet cannot achieve it?

How?????

(16)
Dvirah,
March 5, 2008 7:59 AM

Semantics are Important

Calling this a "struggle" apriori makes it seem difficult. Better to call it the Free Will PROCESS - and more accurate, as we will be processing ourselves into beings of higher & higher spirituality.

(15)
KIRK BANTON,
May 13, 2007 6:00 PM

THE ARTICLE TAUGHT ME A LOT .

THIS WAS REALLY GREAT ARTICLE. THIS IS A SUNDAY EVENING, AND I AM BORED AND THIS ARTICLE CHEERED ME UP.GIVE THANKS, JAH BLESS

(14)
Anonymous,
March 5, 2007 8:50 PM

excellent summary of the choice between life and death

Well timed in my life, I appreciated the practical examples of choosing life.

(13)
Susan Weinberg,
May 16, 2005 12:00 AM

I love to read anything by Rabbi Weinberg. He can take the most deepest, spiritual subject or matter and explain it plainly and clearly for ANYONE to understand. And I love to see his kind, smiling face, beaming out from a page. Thank you.

(12)
William,
February 10, 2005 12:00 AM

absolutely enlightening

Todah Robah Aish.com for your plethora of wonderful articles and particularly Rabbi Noah Weinberg, I love your usage of global metaphors to illustrate your practical concepts, and I have incorporated many of your teachings into my life and they have made a great difference to my sense of meaning and purposefulness, my self-confidence, my knowledge, my renewed love of Hashem and particularly, my newfound ability to breakthrough procrastination and take action. Your wise advice truly does transform lives if it is used proactively, I commend you for your wonderful advice.

(11)
Joshua Bendahan,
November 3, 2004 12:00 AM

I have used my Free Will to go to Aish Torah and Study in the yeshiva this past summer and I been using it since I left this past September 2004. Rabbi Noah Wineberg Knows what he is talking about this truly someone who wants to bring Jews back united and stronger together. I have taken on his advice and I try each and every day in Toronto Canada to bring as many Jews back to be being jews and Studying at aish torah in israel. I told them how its made a impact on my life and I know it can make a impact on many of other jews lifes. Its all about using your free will getting on that plane and seeing what its all about. You having nothing to lose and only to gain buy studying Torah at the Yeshiva in aish with Rabbi Noah Wineberg and many other amazing Rabbis who will inspire you to change and be more proud then ever to be a Jew.

(10)
Anonymous,
October 10, 2004 12:00 AM

Thank you for your writings

As always I look forward to read your G-d inspired writings that have giving me energy to keep going and exercising my free will to please G-d. I have told many people to read from Aish.com. Thank you for your great writings and effort to make this a better world.

(9)
Mirsad Todorovac,
January 6, 2003 12:00 AM

In the right moment

I feel like this article came in
the very right moment, where I've been
tempted to neglect what's of soul and
give in to desires of body. This article
encouraged me and has shown me back to
right path.

(8)
Daniel Mitchell,
December 15, 2001 12:00 AM

Necessary spiritual foundation

I feel that without a strong spiritual foundation, for me, it is useless to have the gift of free will. Without a strong spiritual foundation I find myself trying to change what is on the inside with substances and circumstances that exist on the outside. There seems to be this common flaw in people that is easily overlooked, most people stumble over this more than any other hurdle that we must clear in this existance. Once we can begin to accept the world for what it is, and live life through our own eyes not the world's, life begins to offer so much more and the gift of free will takes on new life and meaning.

(7)
bkharay singh,
September 28, 2001 12:00 AM

I feltl great after reading yor article. Thanks.

Thanks for your article. Your article gave me wisdom to understand myself better. I have more strength to deal with tough situations now than before. I thank God for everything HE has done for me and I say to myself that I will try my best to do everything I can to make me understand and be a useful person for others. Thanks and God bless you.

(6)
mona butters,
September 12, 2001 12:00 AM

wonderfull article

i want to very much thank you for this wonderfull article i just read it kept making myself want to read it it was very interresting and factual thank you again

(5)
Veronica Romero,
November 26, 2000 12:00 AM

Wise Descisions take us to a Happy Life.

How great it is to be able to decide what to do, having free will is a great gift of God. But therefore, it is such a big responsibility, because I am the only one who decides if I am happy or not. With the free will we have we decide to take right or wrong decisions that will affect the rest of our lives.

(4)
Stephen,
November 3, 2000 12:00 AM

This is the Framework I Have Been Seeking

Thank you so much for your article. I have been trying to get a firm grasp on my perception of the free will struggle. Your article magnificently summarized the issue and has given me a framework by which to advance. Thank you again and I look forward to more great articles. With kind regards.

Stephen

(3)
Anonymous,
October 31, 2000 12:00 AM

excellent inspiration. perhaps a little more counsel on how to resist one's own evil inclinations, to overcome one's lower self, to tap into the highest part of one's soul, and use that power to change oneself and the world.

(2)
Appandai Anbu sekaran,
October 12, 2000 12:00 AM

It is simply superb.

This article(Freewill our greatest power)opened my eyes and touched my soul. I was in the same state. I was reacting to my body instead of soul. I will hereafter listen to my soul and take action based on that. Looking forward to read more article like this.
Your service to the world is very much appreciated.

with tons of thanks
anbu

(1)
Anonymous,
October 2, 2000 12:00 AM

Spiritual Kinship

I've just stumbled across Rabbi Noah Weinberg's writings and feel like I've discovered what could be the beginning of a beautiful kinship!